Growing Foxglove for Elegant Blooms in Your Garden

Choosing the Right Foxglove Variety

I first encountered foxglove during a lazy stroll through an English garden in Sussex, their towering spires dotted with delicate bell-shaped blooms. Instantly captivated, I had to grow them myself—finding out later, foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) aren't all created equal.

My go-to varieties are the classic purples, elegant whites, and dreamy apricot tones of hybrids like 'Dalmatian Peach.' Each has its quirks, charm, and ideal planting locations.

Foxglove Varieties Worth Trying:

• Digitalis purpurea – traditional purple-pink blooms, tall and striking.
• 'Alba' – pure white flowers, luminous in shady corners.
• 'Excelsior Hybrid' – mixed shades, robust stalks, and dense blooms.
• 'Dalmatian Series' – shorter, compact plants in shades of peach, lavender, or cream, perfect for smaller spaces.

Finding the Perfect Spot for Foxglove

Foxgloves love to bask in partial shade, ideally beneath tall trees or along the north side of fences. Direct midday sun tends to shorten flowering periods, while too much shade weakens growth.

I recommend planting foxgloves in areas with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade. If you mimic their natural woodland preference, you'll witness them bloom happily and prolifically.

Preparing the Soil Like a Pro

Foxgloves aren't picky, but they do flourish in rich, moist, organic-rich soils. I incorporate plenty of compost or aged manure when preparing a planting bed, mixing it into the top 8-10 inches (20-25cm) of soil.

Good drainage is non-negotiable. Add a bit of grit or sand if your soil tends toward soggy conditions—foxgloves despise wet feet.

Sowing Foxglove from Seed

Growing foxglove from seed is easy and economical. I start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, scattering them on the surface since they require light for germination.

Keep temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C), and keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Germination usually occurs within 14-20 days.

Transplant seedlings outside after frost, spacing them 12-18 inches (30-45cm) apart for optimal air circulation and growth.

Care and Feeding of Foxglove Plants

Once established, foxgloves ask little in return. Mulch around their base to conserve moisture, control weeds, and keep the roots cool, especially in warmer climates.

I feed mine lightly once in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer, boosting vigor and flower production without overdoing nutrients.

"Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they flower exuberantly in their second year, then set seed and gracefully bow out. Allow some blooms to mature fully, and they'll self-seed generously, treating you to new seedlings year after year."

Watering Wisely

Foxgloves prefer consistent moisture without sogginess. I aim for roughly an inch (2.5cm) of water weekly during dry spells, soaking thoroughly at root level rather than sprinkling overhead.

Consistent watering ensures robust bloom spikes and vibrant, healthy foliage. Avoid wetting the leaves, as this can encourage fungal issues.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Few pests bother foxgloves, but occasionally aphids or slugs decide to snack on tender leaves. Aphids succumb easily to insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water, while beer traps keep slugs at bay—though watching tipsy slugs can be oddly entertaining.

Powdery mildew sometimes emerges in humid conditions. Maintain good airflow by spacing plants correctly and remove affected leaves promptly.

Maximizing Foxglove Blooms

Deadheading spent blossoms encourages secondary flower spikes and prolongs bloom time. Leave a few stalks untouched, allowing foxglove seeds to scatter naturally for future generations.

I find foxgloves pair beautifully with woodland perennials and grasses, blending seamlessly in layered plantings. Their vertical elegance brings harmony and structure to any garden bed.

"A word of caution: foxglove leaves and flowers contain cardiac glycosides, toxic if ingested. Keep children and pets aware, and always wear gloves when handling the plants."

Growing foxglove offers a satisfying blend of beauty and practicality. These elegant flowers thrive in part shade and well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners generously if planted thoughtfully. A little patience fosters their brilliant, towering blooms, creating a garden atmosphere that's equal parts wild and refined. Keep foxgloves watered without sogginess, give them room to breathe, and watch for eager self-seeding. Though lovely, remember they're toxic—handle with care and awareness. Treat them well, and your dedication will be repaid season after season, as foxgloves become a perennial favorite in your gardening repertoire.